Today we’re announcing that after many years of helping people discover their neighborhood and connect with their neighbors, we will be shutting down Tenant King on February 28, 2022.
We’re going to delete all personal data by March 31, 2022. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@tenantking.com.
2015 was a big year for Tenant King. Our communities became increasingly vibrant as both the number of users and the frequency with which they post spiraled higher. We hope that you too got a lot out of TK this year, and that our hints, prods, and tips helped you maximize the site. In order to continue that momentum into the New Year, we’re going to put you through a little Continuing Ed.
The first thing we’ll remind you of, is that Tenant King isn’t just for ‘stuff.’ It’s also a place you should go to for services, questions, conversations, and advice regarding your neighborhood. Secondly, if TK is being used for stuff, specifically that which you are looking to unload, be descriptive: include photos (multiple preferably), measurements, color, and condition. Third, if you’re contemplating buying something on Tenant King, don’t be afraid to make a bid lower than the asking price. Who pays retail anyway?
Fourth: think seasonal and sharing economy. Tenant King should be your first thought when moving into a new home, moving out of one, doing a Spring or end-of-year cleaning in your apartment, or looking to rent it out, temporarily or long-term. Finally, remember that the cost to you for doing all of the above on Tenant King is zero, and that the people on it are your verified neighbors.
Having regurgitated all that, it is now time for you to step up to the dais to receive your diploma certifying you a PhD in Tenant King. For that we’d like to thank you all very much for using the site in 2015, and send you our wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year.
When people dream of winning the lottery, their first thoughts usually gravitate towards material possessions such as cars, boats, and vacation homes. But increasingly in the 21st century, many of us look towards ways to free up more time, and therefore seek services that allow us to do so. Even if we don’t win the lottery.
These services might include baby-sitters, dog-walkers, maids, masseuses, and personal trainers, and for those really fortunate butlers and home chefs. I’m pretty sure you won’t find the latter two, but for every other need you may have, there’s no better place to find the right person is Tenant King. Why? Because the local nature of the website means your maid/masseuse etc. is focused on your particular neighborhood. Which means they find it worthwhile economically to do business there, and they are looking to attain/maintain a good reputation in that locale.
It also allows you and the service provider to cut out the middleman, whose fees may exceed 25% of the total. You pay a little less, they receive a little more, definitely a good recipe for a successful transaction. So the next time you’re looking for - or looking to provide, a service, make sure your first stop is Tenant King. Because time is money.
Don’t let an offering price turn you away from an item on Tenant King. On the site, as in life, everything is negotiable.
As brilliant as we’d like to think all of our users are, it’s not uncommon that we notice an item priced somewhere between ‘wishful thinking’ and ‘ain’t gonna happen.’ That’s just the way it is in the imperfect market for second hand sales. Some sellers make too direct a link between what they paid for something, and what it’s worth now. Others have an emotional or visceral attachment to a possession. This is especially true for unusual items, say a hurling stick or a lavender afghan versus an iPhone 5.
So instead of completely writing it off, may we suggest that you send a PM to the seller with a counter-offer? We won’t proffer any bargaining or negotiating tactics here, just use your common sense, and please be civil about it. Nevertheless, you might find that some sellers are willing to take a slightly lower price than they would from other venues, due to your being verified on Tenant King and someone local and probably less likely to flake.
Now that you know, go ahead and make that bid - the whole neighborhood is your bazaar.
Nothing is more stressful to a new mom than finding a nanny for her child when it’s time to let go. As they sit awake at night pondering the implications of their choice, thoughts inevitably lead to ‘Will this decision forever change the life path of my little Fauntleroy?!?’
Probably not, but I’m a 20-something dude writing copy and living with three roommates in Bushwick. What I do know, …from my sis’, is that even if it’s not quite so momentous, finding a good nanny in NYC is still a difficult ordeal.
That’s why I recommend you start your search on Tenant King. First of all, you’ll be getting recommendations from your neighbors, all of whom are verified. Therefore they are willing to put their reputation on the line to help their nanny find a new gig. Because the last thing they’d want to do is run into a disappointed mother on the local playground. If you think getting between a mama bear and her cubs is dangerous…
Of equal importance, your neighbors are more likely to incorporate your own ‘state of mind’ in the traits they are looking for in a nanny. The fact is there are subtle but important differences between say, Park Slope and the Upper East Side.
Finally, location matters. Since your nanny will most likely be working for you five days a week, her daily commute should be a major factor in your decision making. You don’t want the unhappiness of a long haul reflected in your child’s caretaking. Plus, promptness plays a critical role in handing off the baton. The last thing you want to get as you’re scrambling out the door for a meeting, is a text from your nanny saying she’s running ‘10 mins late.’ Basic fact: the shorter the commute and the fewer the transit switches, the more likely your nanny will be ‘en punto’ on any given day.
Oh, and one more thing. Having a nanny that’s already worked in a given neighborhood, means she knows the in’s and out’s of it, many of which you as a harried mom may have yet to discover. It also means she’s probably friendly with the other nannies in the area, making it easier for your child to meet and mix with other kids his or her age.
All great reasons to search locally via Tenant King. And that my friends, is all the advice I can provide on this topic. Which is a lot more than I can say about how to change a diaper.
In the last few months we’ve noticed the big uptick in postings here on Tenant King, and we’re very, very appreciative. Now we’d like to help you increase the chances of finding a local buyer, by providing you with a few reminders as to what makes an ideal classified. One general thought to keep in mind, is that many people want to know everything without having to ask.
Use More Than One Picture: Sounds obvious right? Yet so many users still don’t do this. First of all, like everything on Tenant King, they are free. Secondly, in light of the “camera” in everyone’s pocket today, what excuse do you have not to? It’s not like way back in the 20th century when you had to get the old Nikon out and then wait for film to be developed. So click away - a picture’s worth a thousand words, even better make it three thousand.
Measurements Please: Most of us don’t live in one of those pads with a private keyed-elevator entry. Instead we’re wrestling with whether there’s enough room to sandwich a chair or a double-loveseat. One thing a picture can’t tell you is the actual size, so get out the tape measure and save yourself and everyone else some time.
Include Color and Condition: This is what I get for using the tired saying “A picture’s worth…,” now I get to eat all one thousand. That’s because the truth is that sometimes a picture doesn’t reveal the true color of an item, and frequently can’t state the real condition. Let buyers know using words.
Price It Right: Sorry folks, that never-used crystal sugar bowl someone paid $300 for off your registry at Tiffany’s, is not going to find a new home at $250. I hope you didn’t spend the cash already. If you want it to move, you’ll need to offer it at a price where someone develops an urging for an item like this. C’mon, it’s not an iPhone 6.
Ok, we’ve outlined the basics, the creative side is up to you. So conjure up your inner Shakespeare, Tolstoy, or E.L. James and let it flow. Now sell baby sell!
Whether buying or renting, NYC apartments are really expensive. They are also highly desired by those looking for short to medium term visits, but not wishing to stay in a hotel. This increasing phenomenon should come as no surprise to anyone. Yet what’s the best way to maximize the currency that is your available and very valuable apartment?
May I suggest Tenant King? Why? Well first of all, unlike other sites we don’t charge anything. As in zero, …or zero percent. More importantly though, everyone looking at your post is verified and from the neighborhood. As opposed to Joe from Utown and his four frat brothers, or Dmitri from Dubovska and his revolutionary fervor and five-fingered discount. People that live nearby tend to have a greater sense of proprietorship.
So whether you own in LIC and are looking to capture a big premium for your 4th of July balcony view overlooking the East River, or renting in Stuy Town and looking to save a few shekels for Aunt Minnie from Sheboygan on her first ever visit to the Big Apple, there’s only one place to go: Tenant King. Who needs the other guys?
May is moving month - not in an official manner like Cinco De Mayo or National Defense Transportation Day, but certainly in a de facto one. That is because it is when everyone from college decamps and moves into civilian housing. Think bachelor and bachelorette pads, sometimes split amongst 2-4 others, and frequently requiring a walk up a flight or three to reach.
Nevertheless, it’s time to say goodbye to lava lamps and mini-fridges, and hello to martini shakers and leather couches. After seven hard years of toiling at university, you deserve to start moving upscale. Unfortunately your new employer doesn’t fully recognize the value of your contribution yet. So while you might not be ready to drop eight-grand on a brand new Maurice Villency, you can stretch and buy some associate investment banker’s lightly-used Crate & Barrel - lord knows, he’s never at home to sit on it. And whether it’s a couch, table, bed, or armoire, do you know what the best part is? It’s already assembled! No need to read instructions written by an ESL writer halfway around the world, with stick-figure like diagrams that are inevitably missing a step. Oh, and it’s probably close by and easy to pick up too.
So whether you are moving into the city, moving out of it, or moving within, the very first thing you should be thinking is listing or looking on Tenant King. Everything - most of what you are selling or buying during a move is optimally suited to be listed locally. Best of all, it costs nothing, as in free. You can’t say that about your moving men.
Top Photo credit: Photo by Nick Keppol is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Jessica recently moved to Long Island City with her husband and she wanted to grow her personal trainer business. Once she found out about Tenant King, she started posting, and the success of her stroller fitness classes, called “Fit Mom LIC”, snowballed from there. Meet Jessica:
See more storytellers on our User Stories page.
Don’t let the short term cold spell fool you, Spring and Summer are right around the corner. For those fortunate enough to have balconies, patios, and terraces, it’s time to start preparing. Maybe you’re thinking ‘Hmm, it’s time to upgrade my tiki chairs and pink flamingo. The winter took it’s toll on them and I am nearing thirty.’ Well guess what, there’s probably someone nearby thinking ‘Gee it is getting nice. I just want an outdoor chair to plunk my butt down on and drink a beer while I gaze over the rooftops.’
So if this is your current mindset, the next thing you should be asking is ‘Who wants to drive from the UWS to the LES to pick up a lounge chair?’ In fact, who wants to drive anywhere in the 5 boroughs for used furniture, anytime?
If you’ve read this far, the answer should be simple: Tenant King! It’s so much easier, and less sleazier, to coordinate purchases and sales with people in your neighborhood. The last thing you want to hear on a beautiful day is “Uhh, I’m stuck on the BQE and will probably be an hour late.”
Oh and let’s not forget barbecues! For many New Yorkers it’s their raison d’etre given the long hours we put in at the office. Well do you know how much work it is to assemble an outdoor grill from Home Depot? That comes on top of standing in the weekend checkout line, waiting in the parking lot, and/or trying to hail a cab.
Or, maybe you’ve graduated from burgers and dogs and are ready to display your inner Bobby Flay. Well guess what, the answer for the both of you, whether a buyer or seller of bbq grills, is also ta-dah: Tenant King! I’ll take mine with mustard and relish please.
Top Photo credit: ”Rooftop Rendevous, United States, New York, New York City, Noho“ by Chris Ford is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Tenant King User Stories
Amadeo has lived in Long Island City for about a year. Even though he enjoys the community, he thinks New York City has a bad habit: even if people live on right top of each other, no one actually knows one another. He thinks Tenant King can be a powerful tool to break down the barriers we build around each other and ourselves. He started a potluck for young parents, and its success far exceeded his expectations: Meet Amadeo
See more storytellers on our User Stories page.
Explore the most amazing, inspiring stories from our community. From week to week, we’re diving into stories from Tenant King superusers’ lives.
Janet spent most of her life in New York City, but took a short detour to the suburbs. She was not used to saying hello to her neighbors, and often kept her head down. After she moved back to Long Island City, she looked for the warmth and kindness of the people she found in the suburbs. Once she got on Tenant King, she found a great deal of trust, and was able to start a book club. As she says, half the battle is reaching out yourself: Meet Janet
See more storytellers on our User Stories page.
After a long winter, Spring is ready to explode here in NYC. It’s a time when half the city takes up running, if only for a week or two, and residents are gleeful about eating outdoors in fifty degree weather at hastily arranged sidewalk cafe’s. In addition to getting into shape and then gorging al fresco, you know what else it’s time to do? Clean and clear out your home.
That’s right, while Manhattan real estate is making headlines about $50 million townhouses and $100 million duplexes in the sky, the reality is that the overwhelming majority of us are living in shoebox-sized apartments. Nevertheless, at over $50 a square foot you may want to consider whether it’s worth storing your Flexible Flyer for another winter, or if your 4-year old is really going to fit into those snow pants ever again.
In fact, it doesn’t even have to be weather related. Maybe there’s a piece of furniture you mistakenly pulled the trigger on during a cold January night perusing the web, that now nags you every time you come home from work. Or a Holiday gift from an ex that you forgot to return for cash, or a kitchen appliance that you used once and takes up half your counter space. Just get rid of it already!
Where? On Tenant King of course. It’s quick, free and easy. Plus you won’t have random strangers from all over inquiring about your listing. So don’t delay, get it done and go for a run!
Top Photo credit: ”New York City“ by m01229 is licensed under CC BY 2.0